Texas Water Development Fund (DFund)

1. What can the program do for you?

The Water Development Fund (DFund) is a state funded loan program that does not receive federal subsidies and is not subject to federal crosscutters. The DFund enables the Board to fund multiple eligible components in one loan to our borrowers, e.g. an application for funding of water and wastewater components can be processed in a single loan.

2. Who can borrow?

Eligible applicants for the DFund include all political subdivisions of the state (at tax exempt rates) and nonprofit water supply corporations (at taxable rates). Political subdivisions include cities, counties, districts, and river authorities. (See additional eligibility Special Requirements below).

3. What types of projects can I use the loan funding for?

Financial assistance for water supply projects may include planning, design, and construction for:

wells

retail distribution and wholesale transmission lines

system acquisitions

pumping facilities

storage reservoirs and tanks

water treatment plants

purchase of water rights

Financial assistance for wastewater projects may include planning, design, and construction for:

sewer treatment plants

collection systems

system acquisitions

nonpoint source pollution abatement

development of new municipal solid waste disposal facilities

Financial assistance for flood control may include structural and nonstructural flood protection improvements such as:

construction of storm water retention basins

enlargement of stream channels

modification or reconstruction of bridges

acquisition of floodplain land for use in public open space

relocation of residents of buildings removed from a floodplain

public beach re-nourishment

flood warning systems

control of coastal erosion

development of flood management plans

4. Are loans and grants offered?

Due to statutory limitations, only loans are offered through the DFund. The interest rate on a DFund loan varies depending on market conditions. The lending rate scales are set at approximately the TWDB's borrowing cost. The lending rates are intended to provide reasonable rates for TWDB customers while covering the TWDB's cost of funds and risk exposure.

5. What project components can I receive funding to complete?

The pre-design funding option is available for most water supply, treatment, and wastewater projects and allows an eligible applicant to receive a loan commitment on the basis of preliminary engineering, environmental, economic, and social information. Funds for completing detailed planning, including environmental studies, are provided at closing, whereas funds for design, preparation of final plans and specifications, and construction are placed in escrow until needed.

If the pre-design funding option is not used, applicants seeking only construction phase funding must develop plans and specifications and have them approved by TWDB staff, obtain all necessary permits, and open bids prior to closing the loan.

6. How much funding is available?

The TWDB will sell bonds as needed to obtain proceeds for DFund which will be used to fund loans for our applicants.

7. When can I apply?

The first step in the application process is to schedule a pre-application conference with your to discuss the project's eligibility. The purpose of the conference is to discuss the proposed project and receive any needed guidance and assistance. For tax-exempt borrowers, the applicant, the applicant's financial advisor, and the applicant's consulting engineer should attend this conference. Requesting a preapplication conference does not in any way obligate an applicant to continue the process.

Loan Process

Where Can I Get More Information?

In order to provide you with a single point of contact at the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), our project implementation staff is organized into six regional project implementation teams. Each team is led by a manager that serves as the primary point of contact for both our existing and future customers. For assistance with the application or any questions related to your project, please contact your Regional Project Implementation Team.